"Strength of a Hundred Technique?"
Tsunade's brown eyes glimmered with surprise.
After all, the "S-rank Jutsu" label attached to it was nothing short of extraordinary, indicating it was an ultimate-level technique.
Though she had never heard of it before, she was undeniably impressed.
Tōshirō glanced sideways, his expression a mix of surprise and understanding—it was unexpected, yet somehow made sense.
Young Tsunade's bright, curious eyes sparkled. "What kind of technique is it?"
The older Tsunade pressed her thumb against the diamond-shaped mark on her forehead, wearing a proud expression as she explained:
"This is a technique developed based on the Yin Seal. Once activated, it allows the body to recover quickly, even from fatal injuries. It's considered the ultimate medical Jutsu."
To give the younger Tsunade a clear demonstration, she thoughtfully formed a hand seal and activated the Strength of a Hundred Technique.
In no time, black markings spread from the diamond-shaped seal on her forehead down to her chin.
"Oh, and by the way," she added with a radiant smile, "I owe my youthful appearance, even at my age, to this technique. Impressive, isn't it?"
The older Tsunade had expected to be showered with admiration, but instead, the younger Tsunade's response was outright disdain.
"That looks ugly…"
Her honest critique cut deep. The appearance of the Strength of a Hundred Technique was simply too unappealing for her taste.
At her age, appearances were still something she held in high regard.
The older Tsunade's eyes narrowed sharply into triangles, her glare clearly saying, "Say that again if you dare."
Feeling intimidated, the younger Tsunade shrank back, forcing an awkward smile. "It looks amazing! I absolutely love it."
"Ugh, seriously…"
The older Tsunade sighed in frustration at the younger one's lack of appreciation.
The younger Tsunade awkwardly laughed, quickly changing the subject.
"By the way, there's something I've been meaning to ask."
"What is it?"
"Can you use Wood Release?"
"No."
The older Tsunade replied decisively.
"Why not?" The younger Tsunade pouted, her wide, eager eyes sparkling like a spring water stream.
Good question. If I could use Wood Release, why would I have needed to create something like the Strength of a Hundred Technique… The older Tsunade muttered under her breath before replying gently:
"Don't give me that look. I didn't inherit Grandfather's abilities. There's nothing I can do about it."
"If even you didn't inherit Wood Release, what about Nawaki?"
"Unfortunately, he didn't either."
With neither of them possessing Wood Release, there was no point in asking about anyone else. The younger Tsunade huffed.
"Ugh, useless. Just wait until I develop Wood Release on my own!"
"Bold words."
The older Tsunade chuckled before shifting the tone.
"But honestly, I admire your confidence. After all, we are the same person."
As the two chatted away happily, Tōshirō seized the moment to interject.
"Hey, when you two learn the Strength of a Hundred Technique, can you teach me too?"
The older Tsunade glanced at him, raising a questioning eyebrow.
Tōshirō's gaze lingered on the older Tsunade's youthful appearance as he cleared his throat.
"Looking at the future Jiraiya, then at you, I'd really rather not end up looking like an old man like him."
The older Tsunade sighed regretfully. "I'm afraid that's not possible."
"Why not?"
"The Strength of a Hundred Technique was developed specifically for a woman's body. Your anatomy wouldn't allow you to learn it. If you want to stay youthful, you'll have to find another way in the future."
Hearing this, Tōshirō was visibly disappointed.
The younger Tsunade stepped up beside him, patting his shoulder teasingly.
"You'd better watch out. When you're old and unattractive, I might just leave you for some younger guy!"
Tōshirō snorted coldly, responding in a serious tone:
"In that case, I'll kill that younger guy and turn him into a human puppet."
Seeing Tōshirō's stern expression, the younger Tsunade burst into laughter.
"Relax, I was just messing with you. Why so serious? Besides, I'm not the kind of woman who's fickle like that. So…"
She deliberately paused mid-sentence, waiting for a reaction.
"So what?"
The younger Tsunade gave a sly smirk, mimicking Tōshirō's earlier cold tone:
"So you'd better remember what you just said. If I ever catch you sneaking around with another woman behind my back, well…"
Tōshirō let out a long sigh.
My harem dreams…
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Are you sighing because you regret not being able to sneak around with other women?"
"Absolutely not," Tōshirō denied emphatically.
"Prove it to me."
"Prove it? How am I supposed to… Hey, what are you doing?"
The younger Tsunade grabbed Tōshirō's hand firmly. "Swear an oath right now."
"Come on, don't use such childish tricks. Don't you see the vast heavens as a testament to my love for you?"
"Exactly, let the vast heavens bear witness."
Tōshirō: …
Under the younger Tsunade's persistence, Tōshirō reluctantly raised his hand, his drooping eyebrows betraying his unwillingness.
"I swear, if I'm ever unfaithful to young Tsunade, may I be struck by lightning."
After the oath, the heavens mercifully remained silent, no lightning in sight.
"You called me 'young Tsunade' just now?"
"Yeah, since there are two Tsunades here, I figured I'd differentiate by your size." Tōshirō glanced between the two Tsunades with a teasing look.
The younger Tsunade pouted.
"What do you mean? Are you treating me like a child?"
"You are a child."
"And so are you!"
"I never said I wasn't. But if you don't like it, I can stop calling you that."
"No, it's fine… Actually, say it again. Let me hear it."
Clearly, the younger Tsunade wasn't entirely opposed to the nickname.
"Young Tsunade."
"Mm, again… again."
"Young Tsunade."
"The Last Time."
"Tsunade?"
"What are you doing, seriously?"
Young Tsunade shot him a playful glare, clearly unimpressed by his sudden shift to a more obedient demeanor.
Tōshirō scratched his head awkwardly, trying to apologize.
"I mean, you two young ones could at least consider how it feels for an old, single lady like me," the older Tsunade chimed in, hands on her hips, her years of singlehood pouring out like a tidal wave of resentment. "Sure, you're technically me from the past, but could you at least not flaunt your lovey-dovey nonsense in front of me like that?"
Tōshirō cleared his throat, changing the subject. "We'll be leaving here soon to look for a way back. While we're still in Konoha, why don't we take some time to enjoy ourselves tomorrow?"
"Enjoy ourselves?"
"To be specific, a date," Tōshirō stated boldly.
"Wait, wait, what!?"
His straightforwardness left young Tsunade's mind temporarily short-circuited.
"okay, okay."
Both the older Tsunade and Shizune exchanged knowing glances, clearly surprised by Tōshirō's direct approach.
Young Tsunade, after snapping out of her daze, stared at him with wide eyes, her pink lips trembling slightly. "Did you just say… a date?"
"Yes. I want to create good memories with you while we're here."
Tōshirō spoke his mind plainly, though he wasn't sure if Tsunade had caught his sincerity.
"Are you saying this date… would just be the two of us?" she asked hesitantly.
"Of course," he teased. "Have you ever seen a three-person date?"
Tōshirō's boldness left young Tsunade, usually so confident, acting uncharacteristically hesitant. Her lowered brows betrayed a hint of insecurity. "I've never been on a date. I don't know how to make a guy happy, and my temper is bad. It'd probably be boring for you."
Tōshirō shook his head gently. "Not at all. Just being with you makes me happy."
Young Tsunade turned her head away, trying to hide her growing blush. "You've always been a strange one. Now you're even stranger, saying things like that just to be with me."
"Does it bother you?" he asked.
"It's… tolerable, I guess," she muttered, though her lips soon curled into a bashful smile. "Heh heh…"
The older Tsunade, watching from the sidelines, let out a weary sigh as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
It's over… My past self has been completely wrapped around this kid's finger.
Tōshirō pressed on. "So it's settled, then. How about tomorrow?"
Young Tsunade seemed a little dazed. "Are you that eager to go on a date with me?"
"A man has to act fast," he said with a grin.
"What a weird analogy."
"Well? What do you say?"
She nodded slightly at first but quickly shook her head, confusing Tōshirō. "What's wrong?"
"Can we do it in a few days instead?"
"Why's that?"
"Tomorrow's too soon. I'm not ready yet."
Tōshirō nodded understandingly. He then turned to the older Tsunade, clasping his hands together in a pleading gesture. "In the meantime, don't interrupt her while she's studying the Hundred Healings technique."
The Hundred Healings technique was incredibly complex, and mastering it in a short time was impossible. The older Tsunade sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll cram the theoretical knowledge into her head, but the rest is up to her."
Time flew by, and the day of the date finally arrived.
The morning light crept into the room as young Tsunade's eyelashes fluttered. Her brows furrowed slightly before she opened her eyes. The first thing that greeted her was a pale expanse of smooth, flawless skin.
"So big…"
No matter how many times she saw it, young Tsunade still found it hard to believe that her future self's figure was this… voluptuous. Thinking about it, her lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Heh heh…
She could already imagine that idiot being utterly captivated by her.
Carefully, she slipped out of bed.
She tried to be as quiet as possible, but her movements still woke the older Tsunade.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" young Tsunade whispered.
The older Tsunade groggily opened her eyes, her vision still blurry. "Why are you up so early?"
"I couldn't sleep," she mumbled softly.
The older Tsunade made a sound of acknowledgment, closed her eyes, and started to drift back to sleep before suddenly snapping them open again. A sly smile spread across her face. "Oh, right. Today's your big date, huh? Don't overdo it on your first outing."
"What are you talking about? We're just going to grab some food," young Tsunade said defensively.
The older Tsunade chuckled. "Just food, huh?"
"What else would it be?"
"No plans for a kiss?" she teased.
(End of Chapter)
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